2020 Tokyo Olympics: Rouhou looks for Judo glory in Japan

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02:24

To Judo now. Since the 1990s, this form of martial arts has gained popularity in Tunisia. The North African state is the birthplace of many African and World Judo Champions like Nihel Cheikh Rou-hou, a heavyweight Judoka, who is now working hard to prepare for the 2020 Summer Olympic Games in Japan. CGTN's Adnen Chao-uchi has more.

Nihel Cheikh Rouhou is a Tunisian Judo Champion. The 31-year-old athlete has won 17 African titles and a bronze medal in the 2017 World Open Championships.

NIHEL CHEIKH ROUHOU TUNISIAN JUOKA "I learned Judo at school in the city of Sfax. I joined the national team at an early age. Winning domestic titles has given me self confidence to win Gold medals in the African games."

Throwing and grappling techniques, forward and side sacrifice projections as well as blocks and parries, this is Nihel's daily routine.

ANIS LOUNIFI 2001 JUDO WORLD CHAMPION "Nihel is training with the best Judokas to improve her skills. This is how she remains competitive and stays in shape to defy adversaries from different horizons and Judo schools."

ADNEN CHAOUACHI TUNIS "The training sessions are usually held at this national team center which is one of the most modern sports facilities in Africa. Everyday, Nihel Cheikh Rouhou defies her male and female teammates while keeping an eye on the Olympics."

In 2020, the best Judokas in the world will flock to Japan, the birthplace of Judo. Now Nihel endures hours of training, suffering and sacrifice to win an Olympic gold medal.

NIHEL CHEIKH ROUHOU TUNISIAN JUOKA "I want to end my career with a gold medal in the Tokyo Olympics in 2 years. It is a very symbolic place where Judo was developed as a modern martial art. I live to realize this dream."

Nihel, the heavyweight Judoka has learned self-discipline and respect for her opponents on the Tatami. These universal values were instilled by Tunisia Judo coaches who have dedicated their lives to developing this sports discipline in the North African state. AC, CGTN, T.